More than two decades after Brad Pitt appeared on Friends during his marriage to Jennifer Aniston, the actor is once again close with her longtime friend and co-star Courteney Cox.
Now, as Pitt rekindles his friendship with Cox, he is reportedly planning double dates with her and their respective partners, leaving Aniston feeling hurt and sidelined, according to a source speaking to In Touch.
“Brad and Courteney were really tight when he was married to Jen,” an insider shared. “They used to spend a lot of time together, but once Brad left Jen for Angelina, that friendship fizzled out. Recently, they’ve picked up right where they left off.”
Pitt, who was married to Aniston from 2000 to 2005, allegedly started a relationship with Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star Angelina Jolie, which contributed to the highly publicized end of his marriage.
Although Aniston has since moved on and even remarried and divorced actor Justin Theroux, her friendship with Pitt has been reestablished, and now Courteney‘s growing closeness to Brad has left her feeling somewhat excluded.
The two were recently spotted at the Rock4EB fundraiser in September, smiling and chatting, much to the surprise of those who knew their history.
“Courteney wouldn’t have resumed a friendship with Brad without Jen’s OK,” the source explained. “After Brad’s divorce from Angelina, when he and Jen reconnected, she let her friends know it was fine to hang out with him again.”
Double Dates Add Tension to the Situation
What initially seemed like a harmless rekindling of old friendships has turned into something more uncomfortable for Aniston.
According to reports, Brad has been suggesting double dates with Courteney, her partner Johnny McDaid, and his girlfriend, Ines De Ramon, which has made the situation even more awkward.
“Brad is really keen on setting up these double dates,” the insider revealed. “But Jen didn’t expect Brad and Courteney to get this close again, and it’s left her feeling pushed aside.”
Courteney has been dating musician Johnny McDaid since 2013, often gushing about his character and talents. McDaid has spoken fondly of Courteney as well, calling her “his best friend and partner in everything.”
The source also mentioned that Brad has hit it off with Johnny, further complicating things for Aniston.
“Jen is doing her best to stay composed, but she didn’t anticipate this level of closeness between Brad and Courteney,” the insider added. “She’s mostly frustrated with Brad for his lack of awareness, but Courteney’s involvement hasn’t been easy to handle either.”
Although Jennifer Aniston gave her friends the go-ahead to reconnect with Brad, the situation has clearly become more difficult than she expected, as the growing bond between Pitt and Courteney leaves her feeling more isolated.